Republicans suddenly feel good about the economy by Axios
I’ve written about this before and continue to share things like this not to pick on supporters of any one party since it’s happening on both sides, but to highlight two things: it’s a behavioral investing mistake to make financial planning and investing decisions based on whether your preferred team won, and if sentiment indicators are this highly influenced by politics they’re losing usefulness as an investing tool.
The U.S. Really Is #1 When It Comes to Stocks. Why It Will Stay That Way. by Barron’s
Yardeni Research thinks a strong dollar (and stronger U.S. earnings estimates) will keep U.S. equities a better bet than international ones, while others worry that the fact that U.S. stocks are significantly more expensive than international ones means that U.S. stocks could struggle going forward. This piece covers both sides and highlights that rising bond yields could threaten the dollar’s strength. Bottom line: continue to diversify.
National home price growth is decelerating—just look at this chart by ResiClub
Home price growth decelerating is different than home prices declining, but could it be a pre-cursor? This article says watch inventory levels which is why I’ve tried to share articles about this when I can. If they start to rise, it could signal trouble for real estate markets where that’s happening.
See also: 54 of the nation’s 200 largest housing markets are now above pre-pandemic inventory—it was just 17 markets last year by ResiClub
Inventory levels are rising in certain markets, mostly in the Sunbelt. The tightest housing markets are still in the Northeast and Midwest.
The People to Speak to Before You Retire—and the Key Questions to Ask Them by The Wall Street Journal
Don’t retire without talking to these people first: spouse, adult children, doctor, HR chief, closest siblings, your financial advisor, and a trusted colleague.
Economic Strength Drives Jump in Long-Term Rates by Professor Jeremy Siegel
Professor Siegel’s latest shares his concern that rates will continue to rise and the bond market will face volatility, while stocks are positioned well, especially those with strong balance sheets and pricing power.
Book Recommendation
The Waiting: A Ballard and Bosch Novel (A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel, 6) by Michael Connelly
Any time there is a new Connelly book, I’ll read it as soon as it comes out and recommend it in here. An excellent crime thriller writer.
Boston Corner
What’s inside the Massachusetts economic development bill by Axios
Billions for life-sciences, AI, health care, and infrastructure improvements as well as rezoning for an Everett soccer stadium.
Apartment market report (Nov. edition) by Boston.com
Where are prices climbing? Where can you find a bargain?
